Method and apparatus for simultaneous detection and measurement of charged particles at one or more levels of particle flux for analysis of same

A method, comprising the steps:

• providing two or more detector elements operatively disposed for detecting and measuring different and/or separated charged particles, said detector elements each comprising an independently selectable and addressable charge-collecting element operatively disposed to an amplifying circuit, wherein said amplifying circuit comprises an integrating amplifier with one or more integrating capacitors and individually selectable switching means thereby providing independently selectable and variable integration and/or gain to each of said detector elements;
• reading each of said charge-collecting elements at an initial level of particle flux;
• adjusting the gain of said charge-collecting elements selectively and variably providing sufficient charge-collecting capability for each of said charge-collecting elements at one or more levels of particle flux;
• and
• whereby said detector elements are each independently selectable and addressable thereby providing for simultaneous detection and measurement of said charged particles at one or more levels of particle flux in a measurement cycle.